The Most Reverend Jonathan Blake, Presiding Archbishop of the Open Episcopal Church B.A. (Hons), Dip. Pastoral Studies. Bishop's Haven, 105 Danson Crescent Welling DA16 2AS U.K. Mobile: 07767 687711 www.bishopjonathanblake.com bishopjonathanblake@ntlworld.com www.openepiscopalchurch.org www.twitter.com/bishopjonathan The Church is a member of The International Council of Community churches and the World Council of Churches. Married and a proud Dad.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

STANDARDS OF DETENTION AT THE BEXLEYHEATH CUSTODY SUITE

ICV's discover regularly during our spot check visits that detainees have not been given food, or at times even drink. At times a detainee may not have drunk or eaten for the 24 hours of their detention.

At times they are cold without a blanket.

Their lights have not been dimmed to allow them to sleep overnight.

They are rarely given access to a wash basin and almost never a shower.

They may have been in 24 hours but not given access to the exercise yard or reading material.

They are often confused as to what is happening to them.

Juveniles receive largely the same treatment as adults, despite PACE directing special measures.

Detainees on regular medication are often denied access to their regular prescriptions.

Detainees with mental health or emotional issues are often left anxious and vulnerable in their cells.

Warnings are often given that requesting a solicitor may mean a delay in processing the detainee that acts as a deterrent to them asking to see one.

A leaflet about rights and entitlements, though given, is often left by the detainee at the front desk because of their stress at what is happening to them and the police do not ensure they take it into their cells with them.

Detainees are at times restrained even strip searched by force without any attempt to seek their compliance first.

Detainees are routinely handcuffed irrespective of the charge.

Custody staff say that they are too busy to be able to provide all the entitlements. However I have witnessed on a number of occasions custody staff playing games on their smart phones rather than ensuring the well being of detainees.